Why Seniors Should Eat More Celery

By Ilse du Bernard, 9:00 am on March 8, 2017

Eating celery provides seniors with many health benefits because the vegetable is packed with several nutrients. Celery can be eaten throughout the day, during both snack and mealtimes.

While eating celery can boost your loved one’s health, it is not the only way for him or her to remain active and healthy. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality in-home care. Kingwood families trust in Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.

Here are a few reasons why you should add celery to your aging loved one’s diet.

Promotes Digestion

Celery can eliminate constipation and alleviate issues with piles. It has a high water content that facilitates better digestion and leads to regular bowel movements. The insoluble fiber found in celery also makes bowel movements easier for seniors.

Contains Negative Calories

Although celery is a low-calorie vegetable, it is one of the few foods that contain negative calories. This makes it great for seniors who are trying to lose weight or maintain a normal weight. Every stalk of celery has about 10 calories, which means your senior loved one’s body will burn more energy digesting celery than it takes in. Therefore, your elderly loved one can eat celery throughout the day without worrying about gaining extra pounds.

Full of Vitamin A

Approximately 10 percent of the recommended daily amount of vitamin A can be obtained from eating one stalk of celery. Vitamin A helps seniors protect their eyes and possibly prevent or slow down the progression of many age-related issues, including degeneration of vision. Celery also contains phthalides, which are compounds that boost circulatory system function. The vitamin A in celery also helps regulate blood pressure. When your loved one’s blood pressure is balanced, the risk of vision degeneration decreases significantly.

Contains Luteolin

This is an important flavonoid found in celery that helps seniors fight off various types of cancer such as pancreatic cancer. Luteolin also speeds the recovery of heart cells damaged by stress or an injury. With the increased cell life provided by luteolin, your elderly loved one can prevent cardiovascular disease. For the best benefits, your loved one should choose bright green celery stalks that contain fresh and crisp leaves.

Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

When your senior loved one eats inflammatory foods, he or she could increase the risk of several illnesses and diseases. However, celery is an anti-inflammatory food that can alleviate pain and aches caused by joint stiffness, asthma, and lung infections. The anti-inflammatory properties found in this vegetable can help your loved one expedite the healing process, especially if he or she is managing persistent infections. Since celery reduces inflammation, your senior loved one can lower the risk of developing the following chronic illnesses:

Diabetes

Alzheimer’s disease

Arthritis

Heart disease

Although celery can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, it cannot cure the disease. If your senior loved one shows signs of cognitive decline, consult his or her physician at your earliest. The days, weeks, and months following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be challenging for both seniors and their families. However, these challenges can be made less stressful with the help of caregivers trained in professional Alzheimer’s care. North Houston, TX, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one enjoy the golden years while simultaneously managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

Caring for a loved one with long-term health condition can be challenging. If you are the primary caregiver for a senior loved one in The Woodlands, respite care is available when you need time away from your important caregiving duties. At Home Care Assistance, our respite caregivers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help your loved one manage everyday tasks in the comfort of home while you have the chance to take a much-needed break. Call us at 832-412-1345 to learn about our tailored senior care plans.